Bottom Line
Guillermo del Toro frames significant unexplained experiences—whether spectral or aerial—as moments that disrupt normal perception, suggesting they open up a profound sense of the unknown mystery of existence.
Article Summary
The acclaimed Mexican director Guillermo del Toro is currently in England to accept a BFI fellowship and pursue his interest in acquiring a haunted house. His presence highlights a deep personal connection between the arts, folklore, and unexplained phenomena.
Del Toro has built a career around exploring themes of monsters, ghosts, and the boundary between reality and fantasy. These interests are often interwoven with accounts of unusual or inexplicable experiences throughout his life.
During recent discussions, Del Toro shared anecdotes ranging from sensing spectral presences in Mexico to feeling an 'oppressive vibe' while filming abroad. He also addressed his personal encounter with a UFO decades ago.
These recollections provide insight into how major artistic figures process the unexplained, viewing these moments not as isolated events, but as profound disruptions that challenge one's sense of self and reality.
The Personal Encounter with UFOs
Del Toro shared his experience encountering a UFO when he was 14 years old. He described this event as one of the 'outsized' experiences that can fundamentally dislocate a person’s sense of self.
When discussing such unexplained occurrences, Del Toro stated that they cause 'a crack. ' This sensation makes it feel as though 'the mystery of the universe come rushing toward you,' comparing the feeling to the experience of consuming mushrooms.
A Lifelong Fascination with Spectral Presence
Del Toro’s interest in the unexplained is deeply rooted. He recounted sensing a spectral presence at his family home in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was 11 years old. At the time, he attributed this experience to his late uncle.
His connection to ghosts has inspired his work; for instance, the detail of persistent sighing in his deceased uncle’s room influenced the character Santi, a ghost-boy featured in his film *The Devil's Backbone* (2001).
More recently, while filming in an early-19th-century hotel in Aberdeen, Del Toro reported feeling an 'oppressive vibe,' even though there was no actual ghost present during the shoot.
The Appeal of Haunted Places and Folklore
Currently, Del Toro is looking into purchasing a haunted house in the UK, reportedly through Frightmove. He explained that England holds 'certain magical lands' for him, stating that 'the land of ghosts is England. '.
His interest in these locations and themes is also tied to his professional life; he is receiving a BFI fellowship, an honor meaningful due to the influence British cinema has had on his career, citing influences from directors like Powell and Pressburger and Ken Russell.
The Nature of Unexplained Experiences
Del Toro maintains that he is a skeptic by nature. However, he suggests that some experiences are so profound in their scale that they transcend typical rational explanation. These moments challenge the boundaries of perceived reality.
He views these unexplained events—whether spectral or aerial—as opportunities to confront the mystery inherent in existence itself, rather than merely as odd occurrences.
Contextualizing Del Toro's Work and Interests
Del Toro’s artistic output consistently explores themes of the wondrous and misunderstood. He finds these elements compelling, viewing them through a lens that embraces both horror and profound beauty.
His current professional activities include working on a stop-motion animated adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, *The Buried Giant*, demonstrating his continued engagement with complex narratives involving historical and fantastical elements.
What Remains Unknown
While Del Toro provides personal accounts of these experiences, the underlying mechanisms or explanations for sightings like UFOs or spectral presences remain outside the scope of his narrative. The 'crack' he describes is a subjective, emotional, and philosophical response to the unknown.
The source material focuses on his personal reflections and artistic inspirations rather than providing technical data or objective scientific analysis regarding the phenomena themselves.
Key Points
- Del Toro characterizes unexplained sightings like UFO encounters as moments that cause a 'crack' in one's sense of reality.
- His lifelong interest in the paranormal is evident through his personal accounts, including sensing presences in Mexico and feeling an 'oppressive vibe' while filming in Aberdeen.
- The director is currently pursuing property in the UK, specifically interested in haunted houses due to a deep cultural affinity for English folklore.
- Del Toro’s professional life is marked by receiving a BFI fellowship and working on major adaptations like *The Buried Giant*.
Why It Matters
Guillermo del Toro's discussion serves as an excellent example of how artistic genius processes the unexplained. By framing both UFO sightings and encounters with ghosts through the lens of 'the mystery of the universe,' he elevates these personal experiences from mere anecdotes into philosophical touchstones that inform his entire body of work, suggesting that the unknown is a primary source of creative inspiration.
Related Topics
Reader Note
The information presented comes from The Guardian article published on May 8, 2026. Del Toro's accounts are based on personal memory and artistic interpretation, not technical reports or official findings.
FAQ
When did Del Toro first sense a spectral presence?
He sensed a spectral presence at his family home in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was 11 years old.
What does Del Toro mean by 'a crack'?
He uses the term to describe the feeling that occurs during major unexplained events (like UFO sightings), which makes one feel 'the mystery of the universe come rushing toward you. '.
Is Del Toro planning to live in the haunted house?
No, he stated that the haunted house will be for his collection, while he has separate houses for his personal belongings and family.
What is influencing his current film work?
He is working on a stop-motion animated adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, *The Buried Giant*.